Version: 2.1.0 | Published: 16 Sep 2026 | Updated: 1 day ago
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service - UK
Dataset
Summary
Citation:
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, released 21 April 2026, ONS SRS
Metadata Catalogue, dataset, Universities and Colleges Admissions Service - UK,
https://doi.org/10.57906/qwbe-x221
DOI Name:
Documentation
Description:
This dataset contains details of applicants and applications to UK higher education (HE) with UCAS-registered HE Providers from 2007 application cycle, up to and including the latest cycle. All applicants to UK HE are included, including those domiciled within the UK as well as those outside. UCAS data features four main data tables.
The applicant table contains information on applicants to the UCAS undergraduate scheme. For each applicant, this table includes data on demographic characteristics and socioeconomic characteristics.
The Apply Qualifications table is at qualification level and contains information on qualifications declared by the applicant during their application. This includes the A level grades predicted by teachers.
The ABL qualifications table is at a qualification level and contains information on qualifications obtained and verified through Awarding Body Linkage (ABL).
The applications table contains the data included in the application made by each applicant, the offer made by each HE provider and the response from the applicant.
As UCAS is not a public authority, the personal data processed by the ONS will be used for statistical and research purposes in the public interest. Article 6(1)(e) of the UK GDPR allows the lawful processing of personal data by an organisation where “processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest”.
It is considered that this process supports the public interest consideration in allowing more comprehensive statistical analysis for registered researchers within the ONS TREs.
This processing supports efforts to meet government aims to promote research under the Digital Economy Act detailed in clause 5.1 and the Statistics and Registration Act S.39, and, where applicable, specific research into higher education access and outcomes within the aims of the Higher Education Research Act 2017
Coverage
Spatial
Spatial Coverage:
United Kingdom
Geographical Levels:
- country
- region
Temporal
Start Date:
01 January 2007
Latest Data:
30 June 2024
Frequency:
ANNUAL
Distribution Release Date:
21 April 2026
Provenance
Source:
Administrative
Access and Governance
Usage
Condition of Access:
Standard access conditions for the use of data in the SRS
Condition of Use:
Standard conditions for the use of data in the SRS
Resource Creator:
Office for National Statistics
Access
Access Service:
- Safe Rooms, SafePods
- Assured Organisational Connectivity – office based
Jurisdictions:
- GB-EAW
- GB-SCT
- GB-NIR
Data Controller:
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service
Access Level:
Access Level 2
Format and Standards
Languages:
en
Formats:
- CSV
- STATA
Origin
Name:
ONS SRS Metadata Catalogue